Views on National Art in the Turkestan Region at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the views on national art in the Turkestan region at the beginning of the 20th century, a period marked by profound cultural transformation and national awakening. Drawing on archival materials, historical documents, and existing scientific literature, the study examines how intellectuals, artists, and educators of the time perceived and defined the concept of national art. The research identifies that these views were shaped by a combination of traditional cultural heritage, Islamic aesthetics, and the growing influence of modernist reform movements. Particular attention is given to the interaction between indigenous artistic values and the modernization processes that emerged under the colonial administration. The article also analyzes the role of art as a tool for preserving national identity and promoting social consciousness during a period of political change. It concludes that early 20th-century Turkestan witnessed a unique synthesis of spiritual tradition and modern creativity, where art became a means of expressing both cultural continuity and aspirations for renewal. These findings contribute to understanding how national art served as a reflection of the intellectual and moral revival that laid the foundation for the cultural development of modern Central Asia.